I sat across from the fireplace, keeping an eye on the fire to see if it was burning hot enough to leave it untended. It was touch-and-go—the flames were showy but were now dying down before a bed of coals could be created. I’d brought the logs in a few hours earlier—was the wood warm enough? I wondered.

Living here is exhausting. And that’s a good thing! I find that there is no such thing as a quiet weekend or a take-it-easy week—and it’s not just me! Most of the people I know are so busy this time of year it can be a challenge to pin them down for the next event.